Sewall's Point proposes $4.43 million general fund in FY2027 budget workshop

Sewall's Point staff laid out the town's proposed fiscal year 2027 spending plan at a Aug. 8 budget workshop, telling commissioners the general fund budget proposed for adoption is $4,432,146. Finance director Mariah Pierce said the proposed budget documents and a supplemental historical chart are in the commission binder and reiterated the calendar for public hearings, with the tentative millage and hearing set for Sept. 3.

"The proposed fund or the proposed budget for the general fund this year is $4,432,146," Pierce said during the presentation. She highlighted that property taxes account for roughly 82% of the town’s revenue mix and explained the statutory rule that ad valorem revenues should be budgeted at 95% of certified values.

The draft package allocates a $565,570 building fund and a capital program of about $10,445,675, which staff said is heavily supported by grant awards and legislative appropriations. Staff recommended a 4% cost-of-living increase for employees while holding medical benefits at current contribution levels; they also forecast a conservative $25,000 in interest income for the coming year.

Commissioners used the workshop to press staff on key assumptions: whether building-permit revenue should be forecast using the last full fiscal year (FY2025) or a trailing 12-month method; the timing and size of grant reimbursements; and how the dedicated 0.4 mill capital levy and transfers are reflected in operating versus capital accounts. The town manager and finance director said they will return with refined figures and survey materials ahead of the September hearings.

Next steps: the commission will consider the tentative millage and budget at its Sept. 3 meeting, proceed through public hearings and then adopt a final budget and millage prior to the statutory deadlines.